We caught up with Joe Khalil, associate professor in the Communication Program, to talk about his new book, The Digital Double Bind: Change and Stasis in the Middle East (Oxford University Press, 2024), co-authored with Georgetown Qatar colleague Mohamed Zayani. The work speaks to digital transformations in the Middle East and how the digital turn both informs and is informed by regional socio-cultural, economic, and political dynamics. The authors develop a framework for the ongoing analysis of technology and development in the broader Global South. Below is the transcript of our interview with Joe Khalil.
Professor Joe F. Khalil, how would you describe your personal inspiration behind writing this book?
The book draws from two distinct research trajectories, both mine and that of my co-author, Mohamed Zayani, which explored various aspects of change and continuity in the region. Our book stems from a profound interest in unraveling the complexities of the region’s engagement with digital tools, affordances, practices and cultures. Our aim is to navigate the multifaceted dynamics of the Middle East’s digital turn, exploring its promises and challenges within the context of prevailing sociocultural norms and political-economic systems. This inspiration originates from a desire to contribute nuanced insights to the discourse on the digital in the region and beyond.
What is the work’s key intervention in your field of Media Studies in the Middle East?
The book’s primary intervention lies in advancing the concept of the “digital double bind” as a defining feature of the Middle East’s digital evolution. It challenges prevailing conceptualizations that often oversimplify the region’s engagement with technology. By reframing the narrative from one of transformation (or revolution) to transition, our work moves beyond normative benchmarks and assumed binaries, offering a more nuanced and grounded analysis of the lived experiences of the digital Middle East. Our aim is to prompt a theoretical recalibration, mapping out specific structures, logics, and contradictions that shape how the state, market, and public engage with the digital.
How would you define your research methodology and the nature of your sources? How do these sources and methodologies sustain your intervention concerning digital transition?
Our research is grounded in empirical analyses, employing a combination of qualitative and quantitative research techniques. We draw upon a diverse range of primary and secondary sources, including scholarly literature, industry and government reports, media content, online platforms, and a treasure trove of documents and notes collected over fifteen years. This eclectic mix of sources and case studies allows us to triangulate our findings, corroborating insights gleaned from various perspectives and contexts. Employing a longitudinal approach, our methods intersect with traditions in critical cultural studies, political economy, digital cultures, and media industries. This approach sustains our intervention by providing a nuanced understanding of the digital Middle East, avoiding presentism and determinism and enabling a deeper engagement with evolving and complex dynamics.
Besides other academics in your field, what audiences do you most hope will read your book, and how might they benefit from your work?
Beyond the academic community, our book aims to reach a diverse audience, including students at all levels and fields, such as Science and Technology Studies (STS), International Studies, Sociology, and Communication. Our intention is to inspire critical discussions about the digital turn in the Middle East and the Global South. The book’s contribution extends beyond scholarly conversations to engage a broader readership, including policy analysts, digital media professionals, and others. To enhance accessibility, we have designed a website (www.digitaldoublebind.com) featuring accompanying syllabi and video materials, emphasizing the potential for broader societal understanding and informed discourse.
